Sumter, SC

Travel Guide

Photo by ann fitzgerald
Photo by Ucanquoteme

A year-round temperate climate, a remarkable blend of attractions and a thriving arts and music scene make Sumter one of South Carolina’s most attractive destinations.

Originally known for its industry, Sumter now bursts with culture and color. The town is particularly famous for art and music festivals which take place throughout the year. Plan your trip around these to enjoy this lively town at its best.

Visit the Swan Lake Iris Gardens, home to a range of floral attractions from across the globe. The irises are best viewed during the summer months, but you can enjoy the abundant wildlife in the park any time of year. Try to spot all eight species of swan that live in the area.

Summers in Sumter are warm, so cool off at the four different Spray Parks around the city. Stand beneath the refreshing water and use the excellent picnic facilities and play areas for children. When the temperature cools, enjoy tennis at the Palmetto Tennis Center. This stays open into the evening equipment is available for rent.

The sub-tropical climate means that rain can occur throughout the year. When it does, head to one of Sumter’s many indoor attractions. The Sumter County Gallery of Art is one of the best. Here, view traditional and contemporary work from local and nationally recognized artists in one of the state’s best exhibition spaces. Join a group tour and be sure to visit whatever temporary exhibition happens to be present at the time.

For your evening’s entertainment, visit the Sumter Opera House. A year-round program of events makes this one of the town’s most popular attractions. Even if you don’t see a show, the Opera House, which was built in 1895, is well worth a visit for its interesting architecture.

Plan your visit around one of Sumter’s many festivals to see the town at its best. The Fantasy of Lights around Christmas time, the Iris Festival in May and the monthly Fourth Fridays throughout the summer are some of the most popular.

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb

2.5 out of 5
2715 Broad Street, Sumter, SC
$119 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$133 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (45 reviews)
"Enjoyed our stay. Will return.."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Woodspring Suites Sumter Near Shaw Afb
Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown

3 out of 5
18 N Main St, Sumter, SC
$107 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
$120 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sumter. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (833 reviews)
"Everything was great and walking around with the family members was great as well."

Reviewed on Jul 27, 2025

Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown
Sumter Inn

Sumter Inn

2 out of 5
2390 Broad St, Sumter, SC
$65 nightly
The price is $72 total per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
$72 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this motel in Sumter. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are located nearby.
6.6/10 (45 reviews)
"I stayed here for four nights and cooked a meal on the last night. The property is under construction and it looked like a construction zone. There was no ventilation in my room requiring me to open the door to air out the smoke while cooking. That was when my dog got out of the room, and we returned ..."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Sumter Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter

Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter

2 out of 5
Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Sumter Mall and Palmetto Park are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (13 reviews)
Javier and the Painters
"Thanks for let us stay in your property for several days place was clean and super beautiful we cooked good meals and somehow we feel like a home been away hipe in the future we can stay again thanks"

Reviewed on May 17, 2025

Charming 3-bedroom house in wonderful Sumter
Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely Sumter

Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely Sumter

Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Riley Field and Riley Park are located nearby.
2/10 (1 review)
"Property owner non responsive and property not available for stay after we drove 5 hrs to visit son on deployment with army. After repeated calls host finally answered and did notify Travelocity of non availability so was able to get money refunded but was pretty inconvenient"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Charming home away from home 2-bed 2-bath house with WiFi, AC in lovely Sumter
Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter

Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter

Sumter
Stay at this vacation home in Sumter. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Jenkins Center and Birnie Center ...
10/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
Great Stay at Patricia's
"Our stay was great. There were 4 of us and our dogs. Patricia put a lot of thought into the things that make a stay at a VRBO like being at home. The kitchen and bathrooms were nicely renovated. There was a nice, screened in porch out back with a separate laundry room easily accessible from the back ..."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Cozy comfortable home near lakes, parks and downtown Sumter
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Sumter

Other places like Sumter